The Power — and Art — of the Letter

In this day of instant, electronic communication, it’s hard to remember the sheer joy of getting a letter in the mail. I admit I am an email maniac. I would much rather fire off an email than make a phone call. However, I absolutely love writing and receiving letters. I have the privilege of the former much more often, though, and that’s sad. I like to think that it isn’t because I’m unpopular, but rather that my loved ones are just beyond swamped with other more pressing to-do’s.

The folks at the United States Postal Service know all too well what I’m talking about. Fortunately, they found a great sympathizer in HBO. As part of the promotion activity surrounding their “John Adams” mini-series, HBO is partnering with USPS to encourage more of us to “experience the power of the written word”. Check it out here.

You can watch a clip of the series, request a free card with a quote from one of John Adams’ letters (and the stamped envelope is ncluded!), and even link through to read the entire, original letters online at the Massachusetts Historical Society website.

“I read, and read again your charming letters, and they serve me, in some faint degree as a substitute for the company and conversation of the writer.” – John Adams, 22 May, 1776.